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St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2018-09-02
Bulletin Contents
Samuel
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St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (203) 375-2564
  • Street Address:

  • 1240 Broadbridge Avenue

  • Stratford, CT 06615


Contact Information




Services Schedule


Divine Liturgy - Sundays and Feast Days : 9:00 am

Great Vespers - Saturday Evenings: 5:00 pm

Great Vespers - Eve of Great Feasts: 7:00 pm

Moleben to St. Nectarios - Second Tuesday 7:00 pm 


Past Bulletins


Lectionary & Typicon

Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost  

The After Feast of the Dormition
The Prophet Samuel


Epistle : 2 Corinthians 1:21-2:4  Gospel : Matthew 22:1-14

Resurrectional  Tone 5

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Church Services and Events

  • St John's Church

    September 2 to September 16, 2018

    Sunday, September 2

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy - At St John's Silver Lane Stratford, or Bridgeport, CT

    Wednesday, September 5

    Divine Liturgy - Repose - Pani Gizella Mihaly

    Friday, September 7

    10:00AM Divine Liturgy - Repose John Pataky - Cambridge Manor

    7:00PM Holy Mystery of Confession

    Saturday, September 8

    10:00AM Holy Mystery of Confession

    2:00PM Durshmidt Marriage Blessing

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, September 9

    Fr Peter's 25th Anniversary Celebration

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy - Bishop Gregory Presiding

    12:00PM Anniversary Celebration Luncheon

    Tuesday, September 11

    Beheading of St. John The Baptist

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy - Beheading of St. John The Baptist

    7:00PM Moleben To St. Nectarios

    7:30PM Parish Council Meeting

    Friday, September 14

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy - Repose Louis & Catherine Decerbo

    Saturday, September 15

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy - Repose Marion Fallon

    5:00PM Great Vespers

    Sunday, September 16

    9:00AM Divine Liturgy

    10:45AM Church School

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Epistle Reading

14th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 1:21-24; 2:1-4

Brethren, it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has commissioned us; he has put his seal upon us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

But I call God to witness against me - it was to spare you that I refrained from coming to Corinth. Not that we lord it over your faith; we work with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. For I made up my mind not to make you another painful visit. For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained? And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all. For I wrote you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.


Gospel Reading

14th Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 22:2-14

The Lord said this parable, "The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a marriage feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast; but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have made ready my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves are killed, and everything is ready; come to the marriage feast.' But they made light of it and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. The king was angry, and he sent his troops and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those invited were not worthy. Go therefore to the thoroughfares, and invite to the marriage feast as many as you find.' And those servants went out into the streets and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good; so the wedding hall was filled with guests.

But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment; and he said to him, 'Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?' And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and cast him into the outer darkness; there men will weep and gnash their teeth.' For many are called, but few are chosen."


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Saints and Feasts

Samuel
September 02

Samuel the Prophet

This most holy man, a Prophet of God from childhood, was the last judge of the Israelite people, and anointed the first two Kings of Israel. He was born in the twelfth century before Christ, in the city of Armathaim Sipha, from the tribe of Levi, the son of Elkanah and Hannah (Anna). He was the fruit of prayer, for his mother, being barren, conceived him only after she had supplicated the Lord with many tears; wherefore she called him Samuel, that is, "heard by God." As soon as Hannah had weaned him, she brought him to the city of Silom (Shiloh), where the Ark was kept, and she consecrated him, though yet a babe, to the service of God, giving thanks to Him with the hymn found in the Third Ode of the Psalter: "My heart hath been established in the Lord . . ." Samuel remained in Silom under the protection of Eli the priest. He served in the Tabernacle of God, and through his most venerable way of life became well-pleasing to God and man (I Kings 2: 26). While yet a child, sleeping in the tabernacle near the Ark of God, he heard the voice of God calling his name, and foretelling the downfall of Eli; for although Eli's two sons, Ophni and Phineas, were most lawless, and despisers of God, Eli did not correct them. Even after Samuel had told Eli of the divine warning, Eli did not properly chastise his sons, and afterwards, through various misfortunes, his whole house was blotted out in one day.

After these things came to pass, Samuel was chosen to be the protector of the people, and he judged them with holiness and righteousness. He became for them an example of all goodness, and their compassionate intercessor before God: "Far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you; yea, I will serve the Lord, and show you the good and the right way" (ibid. 12:23). When he asked them -- having God as witness -- if he ever wronged anyone, or took anyone's possessions, or any gift, even so much as a sandal, they answered with one voice: "Thou hast not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, nor afflicted us, neither hast thou taken anything from anyone's hand" (ibid. 12:4). When Samuel was old, the people asked him for a king, but he was displeased with this, knowing that God Himself was their King. But when they persisted, the Lord commanded him to anoint them a king, saying, "They have not rejected thee, but they have rejected Me from reigning over them" (ibid. 8:7); so Samuel anointed Saul. But Saul transgressed the command of God repeatedly, so Samuel anointed David. Yet, since Samuel was a man of God, full of tender mercy, when the Lord told him that He had rejected Saul, Samuel wept for him the whole night long (ibid. 15:11); and later, since he continued to grieve, the Lord said to him, "How long wilt thou mourn for Saul?" (ibid. 16:1). Having lived blamelessly some ninety-eight years, and become an example to all of a God-pleasing life, he reposed in the eleventh century before Christ. Many ascribe to him the authorship of the Books of judges, and of Ruth, and of the first twenty-four chapters of the First Book of Kings (I Samuel).


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For unto Christ he would pass all on, saying, "He must increase, I must decrease;" by the Son Himself again, "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will refresh you;" ... But not by words only, but also by actions did He bid them.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 69 on Matthew 22, 4th Century

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Parish Stewardship

Logo_-_stewardship_commission_-_10-7-2013_(234_x_249)
Date Coffee Hour  Host Hours Epistle Church Cleaner

Sept 9

 Stokely Pani Carol Bill Cleaning Service
Sept 16  Bilcheck Holly Matt Cleaning Service
         

2018 Parish Stewardship Offering (As of 08/26/18)

YTD: $44,337.00 Goal: $70,000.00
 
Be a Good Steward Help Your Parish Carry Out Its Vital Mission!

 

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Announcements

 

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION - Next Sunday, Father Peter will be honored on the occasion of his upcoming 25th Anniversary of Ordination to the Holy Priesthood.  We are pleased to announce that His Grace, Bishop Gregory will be  joining us for the weekend and will preside over Great Vespers on Saturday Evening and  Sunday Divine Liturgy.   The Anniversary Committee has asked that all parishioners be encouraged to prepare to receive the Holy Eucharist (Communion) at the Anniversary Liturgy - to most appropriately join Fr. Peter in Thanksgiving to God as  the  word Eucharist literally means thanksgiving.   

HOLY CONFESSION SCHEDULE  -   Fr. Peter will be available for Confession on  Friday, September 8th at  7:00 pm  and Saturday September 8th at 10:00 am.   He is also available at any other time  prior to Friday by appointment.   He will not be available for Confession on Sunday Morning as there are numerous preparations to be made before Liturgy. 

GREAT VESPERS - SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2018 -  All parishioners  and especially our youth are kindly asked to be in attendance at Great Vespers on Saturday,  Sept 8th, 2018  at 5:00 pm to0 welcome and pray with His Grace, Bishop Gregory.   

CHURCH PICNIC - SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 23, 2018 - All are invited to attend our Annual Parishioner appreciation Picnic on Sunday Sept 23rd at 12 Noon.  There is no cost to attend, but we are in need of a few items to be donated in addition to raffle prizes.  Help is also needed setting up for the picnic on Sat the 22nd, and taking shifts at the grill/kitchen area.  Please add your name to the sign up sheets in the Church hall or contact Jean Lomme, Picnic Chairman.   

NEW:  PROPERTY MAINTENANCE FUND  Our monthly Property Maintenance Fund Collections are now targeted towards specific needs.  As anounced at the Semi-Annual Meeting we have two pressing projects at the parish Rectory:  Replacing the Front Door and sidelights  (Original Doors from the 1890's) and the Garage overhead doors.   The total cost is approximately $6000.  ($4000 for Front Door and $2000 for the garage doors). Please keep this in mind when making your monthly property maintenance fund donation.  The August Collection netted $448.00.  We are pleased to announce that we have a pledge of $2000 for the cost of replacing the garage doors and an additional $100  towards the repair or replacement of the front doors of the Rectory.    Additional donations of any amount will gratefully be accepted.  We are most grateful to our parishioners for all their efforts in maintaining and improving our Church properties over the years. How blessed we are to have such a beautiful parish complex which is truly our little slice of Paradise,  the Kingdom of Heaven on Earth.  AS OF 8/26/18  TOTAL  = $448.00, Cash Received plus  $2100 pledge  = $2548  GOAL = $6000. WE ARE ALMOST HALF WAY THERE!  WILL YOU HELP US REACH OUR GOAL? 

PARISH SURVEY  -  All parishioners  have received a copy of our parish survey.  As of this writing only 6 people have returned the form.  Perhaps this seems like a daunting task as the form is several pages long.  Feel free to fill out those areas that are applicable or for which you feel strongly about.   It is to be completed by all parishioners, including youth.  Please place the completed forms  in the metal collection box  on the candle desk or mail them into the Church by Sept 9, 2018.

ADULT EDUCATION DISCUSSION -  Our Weekly Scripture Study Class  is now taking a pause until after the beginning of the Church New Year.  It will resume on Wednesday,  September 19, 2018. 

COMMUNITY SUPPER -  Our next meal will be  Monday Sept 17 th  at The Lord's Kitchen,  Christ Church, Stratford, CT.  Please see Mary or Eve if you  wish to help. 

CHURCH HALL CHAIR REPLACEMENT -  THANK YOU PARISHIONERS! We have received sufficient  pledges to purchase new chairs for the Church hall.   The molded plastic chairs received the most votes, so we will be going with that.  Please see Tom Decerbo to fulfill your pledge and make payment.  You may also place your payment in an envelope clearly marked with your Name and Chair Pledge Payment  and put it in the collection basket or in the metal donation box on the candle desk.  Once we have received all the money pledged, they will be purchased.  While we be using many of the existing chairs for our church picnics,   a number of these chairs will be available for purchase at a suggested price of $5.00.  If anyone is interested in purchasing chairs, please see Tom Decerbo.  

CHURCH DUES - As a reminder Church dues are $75.00 per adult member. If you have not already paid your annual dues, please do so as soon as possible.  As always if you are experiencing a financial hardship please speak to Fr. Peter so that they can be waived if necessary. 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR -  NE Deanery  DDD Dinner - Sunday Oct 21 at Robertos Restaurant in Monroe, CT. 

BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES  
  
Sept 2 Eve Nucifora Birthday
Sept 3 Robert Mihaly Birthday

Sept 7

Cody Bilchedk Birthday

  

FINANCIAL STATISTICS  8/26/18
 Pew Collection          1409.00
7 Day Candles              12.00
First Sunday- Property Maintenance Collection               29.00
Third Sunday - Metropolitan Fund              75.00
 Flower Donation 
             75.00
 TOTAL         $1,600.00
 

 

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Bulletin Inserts

    Diocesan Camp 2017

    Diocesan Camp 2017

    Registration Information From Camp Nazareth re: The 2017 Camping Season


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ACROD News

Acrod-logo

OCMC Seeks Development Director

08/11/2018

ST AUGUSTINE, FL [Orthodox Christian Mission Center] --- There is an immediate openning for the postion of Development Director for the Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC). Now is a great time to join and lead the Orthodox Christian Mission Center’s development team and receive all the benefits of applying one's professional talents in an Orthodox Christian missionary based non-profit that reaches throughout the world, changing lives and saving souls. OCMC is looking for the creativity and energy that the right candidate can bring to this dynamic ministry.

Schedule of His Grace, Bishop Gregory For July and August 2018

07/07/2018

JOHNSTOWN, PA -- The schedule of His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa for July and August 2018 has been released by the Diocesan Chancery.

Eternal Memory: +Pani Mary Kundla

08/26/2018

JOHNSTOWN, PA - With profound sadness the Diocesan Chancery announces that Pani Mary Kundla, the wife of the late Fr. Stephen Kundla, reposed in the Lord on Friday, August 24, 2018.

Funeral arrangements for Pani Mary are as follow: Monday August 27 - 6- 8 pm Visitation at the Bowser Funeral Home in Homer City, PA. The Panachida Service will take place at 7 PM. Tuesday August 28 - Brief service at the funeral home at 10:30 AM, followed by the Funeral Service at 11:30 AM in St. Michael Church, Clymer PA with interment at Greenwood Cemetery, Indiana, PA. A funeral luncheon will follow at St. Michael Church.
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Diocesan Resources

Diocesan Website:  http://www.acrod.org Camp:  http://www.campnazareth.org
Facebook:   http://www.facebook.com/acroddiocese
 Twitter: https://twitter.com/acrodnews
You Tube: https://youtube.com/acroddiocese
 National ACRY: http://www.acry.org

 

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